The basketball team has made St. Andrew’s school history this year with their recent win over Flint Hill–they became our first basketball team to win a MAC championship. In an interview with Coach Jones during the mid point of the season, these were his reflections on the things that, unbeknownst to him, would ultimately take him to the championship.
ID: How has the team improved since last season?
KJ: The team has more depth this year. We are a better defensive team.
ID: What is the most rewarding part of coaching this team?
KJ: For me, watching the players grow from when they first arrive to the program. As students, players and people. Knowing that they are prepared for the next step in life. I enjoy knowing that they are equipped with skills such as time management, reparation, commitment, knowing their priorities. These skills will serve them well not only in college, but in life as well. It’s rewarding instilling these core values into the players, which will help them in college and in life.
ID: Looking forward from this point in the season, what do you have to do to help this team achieve the best result possible?
KJ: I need to do a good job treating each game separately and doing what it takes to win each individual game. Moving forward, if the goal is to win a championship, then we have to play smarter, especially down the stretch in the games, when every single possession is important.
ID: What has been the best memory of the season so far?
KJ: The best memory for me would have to be when we went up to NY and won a tourney up there. We won the championship in front of 1,500 people. In the game, we went down early, rallied to end up with the win. Another highlight would be our double overtime win against St. Albans. The team represented the MAC conference well, and players stayed together. Another highlight for me would be our road win versus St. James. This was a tough, away conference game, playing the type of talent that St. James has.
ID: What time of the season has impressed you the most?
KJ: How the players were all put in new roles, and how they have adapted and stepped up into their new roles. I am impressed with how quickly they have done so.
ID: What has the team leadership been like?
KJ: This season, leadership has been a collaborative effort amongst the senior and junior class, versus any one individual.